As Trump talks of designating antifa a foreign terrorist group, experts see danger
toggle caption Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Earlier this month, President Trump hosted a roundtable at the White House about antifa, the far-left movement or ideology opposed to fascism. Some of the right-wing influencers gathered around the table urged him to designate antifa as a foreign terrorist organization.
"Would you like to see it done?" the president asked. "You think it would help? I'd be glad to do it. I think it's the kind of thing I'd like to do. Does everybody agree? If you agree, I agree. Let's get it done."
Trump then turned to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and said, "Marco, we'll take care of that."
Sponsor Message
Trump has already issued an executive order that labels antifa a domestic terrorist organization, but the impact of that is unclear since there is no federal legal provision to designate domestic terrorism groups.
The State Department does have the authority, however, to designate foreign terrorist groups, a move that has real legal teeth. If the Trump administration were to take that step against antifa, it would likely have massive implications.
"It would have a legal impact that would have a cascading effect across civil society, incl
Continue Reading on NPR
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.